Bantu curler system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides hair curlers, a hair curler system, and a method for forming Bantu knots.

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/858,309 filed Jun. 6, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of hair grooming and styling devices, and more specifically to hair curlers, and hair curling systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bantu knots, sometimes also referred to as Zulu or Nubian knots, refer to a now globally popular hairstyle originated by African ethnic groups in southern & central Africa. Bantu knots are actually more like small coiled buns tightly secured against the head. They are created by sectioning dry or damp hair, and then section by section starting at the base near the scalp, twirling or twisting each length of dry or damp hair by hand into a rope, then again starting from the base circling the roped hair around itself and securing in the form of a tight coiled bun, or “knot”. Generally, a hair stylist or second person is employed to create Bantu knots because it is tiring and challenging for an individual to be able to access his or her whole head of hair and accomplish the required twisting and securing. Bantu knots are often worn as the knots, but are also commonly later gently loosened to produce a “knot-out” of springy curls.

Commercially available curling systems do not help to achieve either Bantu knots or a Bantu knot-out because of the size and shape of the curlers. Also, since commercial curlers are configured to make curls by rolling hair onto the curlers from the ends of the hair to the scalp, the curls formed vary substantially from characteristic Bantu knot-outs. Not least among the differences are that curls formed using conventional curlers are tighter at the ends compared to the curl near the scalp, whereas Bantu curls created from a Bantu knot-out are more uniformly tight along a length of hair.

With the marked and rising popularity of Bantu knots, a need exists for curlers, a curler system and related methods that allow making Bantu knots easier and more efficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a graphical representation of the hair curler in one embodiment of this disclosure where the flexible cylindrical body of the curler is partially hollow to fit the user's finger in the end of the curler.

FIG. 1B is a graphical representation of the hair curler in another embodiment of this disclosure where the flexible cylindrical body of the curler is hollow to fit the user's finger in either end of the curler.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the hair curler in another embodiment of this disclosure where the flexible cylindrical body comprises perforated walls.

FIG. 3 is a representation of the user's finger inserted into the curler of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a representation of starting a Bantu knot using the curler of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a representation of the Bantu knot using the curler of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a hair curler for making Bantu curls, the hair curler comprising: (a) a flexible cylindrical body having a first end and a second end each having a diameter, a center portion extending between the first and second ends and having a center portion diameter, and at least one opening extending through the cylindrical body from the first end through the center portion, the opening configured to receive a user's finger; and (b) a curler covering affixed to the first end of the solid cylindrical body, and dimensioned to extend the length of the cylindrical body and over the second end, thereby configured to provide an outer covering over at least a portion of the cylindrical body from the first end to the second end when in use.

In another aspect, provided herein, is a hair curler system for making a plurality of Bantu knots. The hair curler system comprising a plurality of hair curlers of claim 1.

In yet another aspect, provided herein, are methods for preparing Bantu knots, the methods comprises the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curler of claim 1; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual to form at least one hair section having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) with the flexible covering withdrawn to expose the length of the cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (d) positioning the flexible body of the curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (e) using the finger within the cylindrical body to wrap the length of the hair section from the base to the end of the hair section; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; and (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible cylindrical body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp. The method further comprises: (h) maintaining the hair section wrapped around the hair curler for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair section to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curler; (i) withdrawing the curler covering from the second end to the first end, thereby unsecuring the hair section from the curler; and (j) allowing the hair section to unwind thereby forming a Bantu knots.

In still another aspect, provided herein, are for making multiple Bantu knots of an individual's hair. The methods comprises the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curling system of claim 10; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual into multiple sections each having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) for each hair section, placing a hair curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (d) with the curler covering of the curler withdrawn to expose the length of the cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (e) using the finger within the curler to wrap the hair section around the hair curler from the base to the end thereby forming a hair coil around the flexible body; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp; and (h) repeating (c) through (g) for each hair section. The above methods further comprise: (h) maintaining the hair sections wrapped around the hair curlers for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair sections to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curlers; (i) withdrawing the curler covering from the second end to the first end of each curler, thereby unsecuring each hair section from each curler; and (j) allowing each hair section to unwind from each curler thereby forming a plurality of Bantu knots.

Other features and iterations of the invention are described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a hair curler, a hair curler system, and methods for making Bantu knots and curls.

(I) Hair Curlers

One aspect of the present disclosure encompasses a hair curler (100), which comprises: (a) a flexible cylindrical body (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106) each having a diameter, a center portion (108) extending between the first and second ends and having a center portion diameter, and at least one opening (110) extending at least partially or totally through the cylindrical body from the first end through the center portion, the opening configured to receive a user's finger (A); and (b) a flexible curler covering (116) affixed to the first end of the solid cylindrical body, and dimensioned to extend at least partially or totally over the length of the cylindrical body and over the second end, thereby configured to provide an outer covering over at least a portion of the cylindrical body from the first end to the second end when in use.

(i) Flexible Cylindrical Body

The hair curler comprises flexible cylindrical body 102. Flexible cylindrical body 102 comprises first end 104 and second end 106 each having a diameter measurement. In one embodiment, first end 104 and second end 106 are the same diameter measurements. In another embodiment, the first end and the second end have different diameter measurements. Flexible cylindrical body 102 is tapered from each end toward the center portion, wherein the center portion diameter measurement is smaller than the first and second end diameter measurements. The resulting tapered shape as shown, allows wrapped, roped or coiled hair to be curled easily and fit snugly against flexible cylindrical body 102.

Flexible cylindrical body 102 has at least one opening 110 at least partially or totally extending through from the first end toward the center portion. Opening 110 extends from first end 104 through flexible cylindrical body 102 for a length sufficient to accommodate the length and diameter of a user's finger inserted into to opening 110, at least to the first or second knuckle, as shown in FIG. 1A. Optionally opening 110 extends further through the length of flexible cylindrical body 102, and may extend through the entire length of flexible cylindrical body 102 and through second end 106 as shown in FIG. 1B. When opening 110 extends entirely through flexible cylindrical body 102, the user's finger may be inserted in either end of the curler.

Flexible cylindrical body 102 may comprise solid, though flexible walls 112. Optionally, flexible cylindrical body 102 has at least one opening or perforation 114 in walls 112, as shown in FIG. 2. Such opening or perforation 114 allow for more air circulation around the hair which can aid in drying partially wet hair in the formation of the curl.

Flexible cylindrical body 102 preferably comprises a moisture resistant or moisture-proof, flexible material such as a metal, a plastic, rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof, any of which may take the form of a foam or other compressible form. In one aspect, flexible cylindrical body 102 comprises a metal in a flexible form, such as a thin sheet, which is preferably rust resistant. Non-limiting examples of useful such metals are stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, aluminum, copper, alloys, or combinations thereof. In another aspect, flexible cylindrical body 102 comprises a plastic. Non-limiting examples of a plastic are high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, or combinations thereof. In yet another aspect, the flexible cylindrical body 102 comprises two materials, such as a plastic and a metal, which are preferably rust resistant.

In use, as shown for example in FIG. 3, flexible cylindrical body 102 fits over the end of a user's finger, which can be any finger but most typically will be an index, middle, ring, or pinkie finger on either hand. It will be understood, and as further shown in the accompanying drawings, that the size and placement of the curler on a finger provides the user with means to easily and efficiently wrap hair as if around an uncovered finger, to form Bantu knots. It will be further understood, and as also further shown in the accompanying drawings, that a user can easily position as many as 3-4 curlers on a single hand, for example one curler on each of the index, middle, ring and pinkie fingers, and proceed to wrap several ropes of hair around one of the curlers on the hand curler before having to reach for additional curlers. As such the curlers described herein hasten the process for creating Bantu knots and ultimately curls.

(ii) Curler Covering

The hair curler also comprises a flexible and in one aspect elastic curler covering (116). Curler covering 116 is affixed to first end 104 of flexible cylindrical body 102. In one aspect, curler covering 116 is dimensioned to partially extend the length of flexible cylindrical body 102. In another aspect, curler covering 116 is dimensioned to totally extend the length of flexible cylindrical body 102 and over second end 106 of flexible cylindrical body 102. Curler covering 116 is configured to provide an outer covering over at least a portion of the length of flexible cylindrical body 102 from first end 104 to second end 106 when in use.

Curler covering 116 comprises a water-resistant material such as, in non-limiting example, nylon, silicone, a fabric, a plastic, or a polymer, or any combination thereof. Curler covering 116 is preferably made of material sufficiently robust to undergo repeated pulls from the first end of the flexible base cylinder 104 to partially cover the flexible cylindrical base 102 or to the second end 106 of the solid base cylinder totally covering the flexible cylindrical base. In one aspect, curler covering 116 is in the form of an elastic mesh, which may be nylon, plastic or other fiber mesh. In use, curler covering 116 is rapidly and easily secured over hair wrapped or coiled around flexible cylindrical body 102 by the user manually pulling curler covering 116 partially or totally covering the hair to the second end 106 of flexible cylindrical body 102 and releasing the leading end of curler covering 116 such that it fits snugly and secures hair section H, and curler 100 in place.

(II) Hair Curler System

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a hair curling system for making a plurality of Bantu knots. The hair curling system comprises a plurality of hair curlers, as described above.

(Ill) Methods for Making Bantu Curls

Still another aspect of the present disclosure encompasses methods for making Bantu curls. For example, a method comprises a user performing the following: (a) obtaining a hair curler, for example curler 100, as described herein; (b) sectioning the hair of an individual on whom the curls will be formed, to form at least one hair section having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) with the curler covering 116 withdrawn to expose the length of the cylindrical body 102 of the hair curler 100, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (d) positioning the flexible cylindrical body 102 of the curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (e) using the finger within the flexible cylindrical body 102 to wrap the length of the hair section from the base to the end of the hair section; (f) pulling the curler covering 116 from the first end 104 towards the second end 106 over the wrapped hair and flexible cylindrical body 102 to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; and (g) securing the curler covering 116 near or at the second end 106 of the flexible cylindrical body 102, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp. Notably, the user performing the steps of the method may be the same individual as that on whom the knots and curls will be formed. Alternatively, the user may be another individual forming the curls in the hair of a second individual. In either case, the unique curlers described herein make the process much easier, more comfortable and faster than the same process without using the curlers.

(a) Obtaining a Hair Curler

Hair curlers and hair curler systems as described herein in Sections (I) and (II) are used in the methods.

(b) Sectioning the Hair of the Individual to Form at Least One Hair Section having a Length from a Base Near the Scalp of the Individual to an End Distal to the Base

In preparation for forming a Bantu curl, the individual initially sections a portion of the hair on the scalp into at least one section (H) as shown in FIG. 4. The sectioned hair has a length (L) from base of the scalp to an end distal from the base.

Various types of hair may be used with these curlers. Non-limiting examples are fine strand hair, medium strand hair, or course strand hair. The hair may be straight, wavy, or curly. The hair may be wet, partially dry, mostly dry, or dry.

The amount of hair in a hair section H is dependent on the size and number of knots or curls desired, the thickness and texture of the hair, and other factors as well known to users. In various aspects, a section H may comprise as little as a few hair strands too many strands forming a wide or thick section. A hair section H may be also be twirled or twisted into a rope before wrapping around the curler. The hair is wrapped or coiled around flexible cylindrical base 102 from the scalp toward the end of the hair section until the ends of hair section is reached.

(c) With the Curler Covering Withdrawn to Expose the Length of the Cylindrical Body of the Hair Curler, Inserting a Finger into the Opening of the Flexible Cylindrical Body

Curler covering 116 is withdrawn to expose the length of the flexible cylindrical body 102. After the curler covering 116 is withdrawn, an individual's finger is inserted into the opening on the end of the flexible cylindrical body 102.

(d) Positioning the Flexible Cylindrical Body of the Curler Proximal to the Base of the Hair Section

The next step in the method is positioning the flexible cylindrical body 102 of the curler proximal to the base of the hair section.

(e) Using the Finger within the Cylindrical Body to Wrap the Length of the Hair Section from the Base to the End of the Hair Section

The method then comprises wrapping the sectioned hair onto the flexible cylindrical body 102. The individual starts from the scalp or base and wraps the hair to the end of the hair section.

(f) Pulling the Curler Covering from the First End over the Wrapped Hair and Cylindrical Body to Partially or Totally Covering the Wrapped Hair

The next step in the method is to pull the curler covering 116 from the first end 104 over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to partially or totally covering the wrapped hair to the second end 106.

(g) Securing the Flexible Netting at the Second End of the Fexible Body, thereby Securing the Hair Curler Proximal to the Scalp.

After pulling the curler covering 116, the curler covering 116 is secured at the near or at the second end 106 of the flexible cylindrical body 102 thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp as shown in FIG. 5.

The process as described above, further comprises: (h) maintaining the hair section wrapped around the hair curler 100 for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair section to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curler 100; (i) withdrawing the flexible netting 116 near or at the second end 106 to the first end 104, thereby unsecuring the hair section from the curler 100; and (j) allowing the hair section to unwind thereby forming a Bantu knot.

(h) Maintaining the Hair Section Wrapped around the Hair Curler for a Period of Time and Under Conditions Sufficient for the Hair Section to Retain a Curl when Unwrapped from the Curler

As appreciated by the skilled artisan, a number of factors are necessary for a section of the hair to retain a curl such as type of hair, length of hair, moisture content of hair, and the size of the curl. In general, the time necessary for the hair to maintain the curl may range from about 30 minutes to about 24 hours. In various embodiments, the time necessary for the hair to maintain the curl may range from about 30 minutes to about 24 hours, from about 1 hour to about 20 hours, from about 3 hours to about 18 hours, from about 6 hours to about 16 hours, or from about 8 to 10 hours. In one embodiment, the time for the hair to maintain the curl is about 8 hours or overnight.

(i) Withdrawing the Flexible Covering from the Second End to the First End; thereby Unsecuring the Hair Section from the Curler

The next step in forming one curl is to remove the curler covering 116. The covering is withdrawn from near or at the second end 106 to the first end 104 of the hair curler 100. Removing the curler covering 116 unsecures the hair section from the curler 100.

(j) Allowing the Hair Section to Unwind thereby Forming a Bantu Curl.

The last step in the method is to unwind the hair from the flexible cylindrical body 102. The unwinding step frees the Bantu knot from the curler 100.

(IV) Methods for Making Multiple Bantu Knots

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises methods for making multiple Bantu knots of an individual's hair. The methods comprises the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curling system of claim 10; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual into multiple sections each having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) for each hair section, placing a hair curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (d) with the curler covering of the curler withdrawn to expose the length of the flexible cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (e) using the finger within the curler to wrap the hair section around the hair curler from the base to the end thereby forming a hair coil around the flexible body; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to partially or totally covering the wrapped hair; (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp; and (h) repeating (c) through (g) for each hair section.

The method for making a single Bantu knot is described above in Section III. Sectioning the individual's hair into multiple sections and repeating the steps for each section of the individual's hair will form multiple Bantu knots.

The methods as described above further comprising: (h) maintaining the hair sections wrapped around the hair curlers for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair sections to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curlers; (i) withdrawing the curler covering from near or at the second end to the first end of each curler, thereby unsecuring each hair section from each curler; and (j) allowing each hair section to unwind from each curler thereby forming a plurality of Bantu curls.

The methods described herein can form one Bantu knot or a plurality of Bantu knots depending on the individual's preference.

DEFINITIONS

When introducing elements of the embodiments described herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above-described methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and in the examples given below, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair curler for making Bantu knots, the hair curler comprising: (a) a flexible cylindrical body having a first end and a second end each having a diameter, a center portion extending between the first and second ends and having a center portion diameter, and at least one opening extending partially or totally through the flexible cylindrical body from the first end through the center portion, the opening configured to receive a user's finger; and (b) a curler covering affixed to the first end of the solid cylindrical body, and dimensioned to extend the length of the flexible cylindrical body and over the second end, thereby configured to provide an outer covering over at least a portion of the flexible cylindrical body from the first end to the second end when in use.
 2. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the flexible cylindrical body is tapered from each end toward the center portion, wherein the center portion diameter is smaller than the first and second end diameters.
 3. The hair curler of claim 1, the first end and the second end have the same diameter measurement.
 4. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end have the different diameter measurements.
 5. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the flexible cylindrical body is perforated.
 6. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the flexible cylindrical body comprises a flexible metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof.
 7. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the curler covering comprises netting material.
 8. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the curler covering comprises a material selected from nylon, a fabric, a plastic, a polymer, and any combination thereof.
 9. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the flexible cylindrical body and curler covering comprise water resistant material.
 10. A hair curling system for making a plurality of Bantu knots, the hair curler system comprising a plurality of hair curlers of claim
 1. 11. A method for making a Bantu knot in an individual's hair, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curler of claim 1; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual to form at least one hair section having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) with the curler covering withdrawn to expose the length of the flexible cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (d) positioning the flexible cylindrical body of the curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (e) using the finger within the flexible cylindrical body to wrap the length of the hair section from the base to the end of the hair section; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; and (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible cylindrical body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp.
 12. A method for making a Bantu curl in an individual's hair, comprising the method of claim 11, and further comprising: h) maintaining the hair section wrapped around the hair curler for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair section to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curler; i) withdrawing the curler covering from the second end to the first end, thereby unsecuring the hair section from the curler; and j) allowing the hair section to unwind thereby forming a Bantu knot.
 13. A method for making multiple Bantu knots an individual's hair, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curling system of claim 10; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual into multiple sections each having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) for each hair section, placing a hair curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (d) with the curler covering of the curler withdrawn to expose the length of the cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (e) using the finger within the curler to wrap the hair section around the hair curler from the base to the end thereby forming a hair coil around the flexible body; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp; and (h) repeating (c) through (g) for each hair section.
 14. A method for making Bantu curls in an individual's hair, comprising the method of claim 13, and further comprising: (h) maintaining the hair sections wrapped around the hair curlers for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair sections to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curlers; (i) withdrawing curler covering from the second end to the first end of each curler, thereby unsecuring each hair section from each curler; and (j) allowing each hair section to unwind from each curler thereby forming a plurality of Bantu knots. 